Lab Activity No.

1
COMBUSTION AND AIR QUALITY

OBJECTIVE: By the end of the activity, the student will be able to

1. Understand the nature of combustion

2. Appreciate desirable combustion characteristics of fuels

MATERIALS: matches, small candle, Bunsen burner (optional), alcohol burner, hexane,
toluene, naphthalene balls, blue and red litmus paper

PROCEDURE:

1. Light a match and place a moist blue litmus paper over the flame (hold the litmus
paper with tongs). Maintain enough distance between the flame and the paper so
that it does not burn. The idea is to allow the gaseous products of combustion to
react with the moisture and the litmus dye. Note the color of the litmus paper.
Repeat the procedure using red litmus paper. Do the same with the other flame
sources (candle, Bunsen burner, alcohol burner). Write your observations.

2. CAUTION: The following must be done inside a fume hood. Place about 5 mL of
hexane in an evaporating dish and carefully ignite it with a lighted match.
Observe the color and general appearance of the flame. Hold a second
evaporating dish with tongs over the flame, allowing the flame to come in contact
with the bottom. Observe soot formation (if any). Do the same, separately, for
toluene and naphthalene. Compare with the flame of the alcohol lamp. Hold an
evaporating dish over the alcohol lamp flame. Note your observations.
Group No. _____ Date: _______

Names: _____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________

COMBUSTION AND AIR QUALITY

1. Acid –Base Properties of Combustion Product

Effect on moist litmus paper

match
alcohol lamp
candle

2. Flame characteristics

Color/Appearance of flame Bottom of evaporating dish

Hexane

Toluene

Naphthalene

Bunsen burner
Questions:

1. Based on your observations, what generalization can you make about the products
of combustion?

2. Look up the molecular structures and chemical formula of hexane, toluene and
naphthalene. Comment on the relationship between chemical structure and flame
character.

3. Unlike the hydrocarbons burned in the hood, the alcohol in the lamp contains
oxygen and has the formula C2H6O. Write balanced chemical equations showing
complete and incomplete combustion of alcohol.

4. Which among hexane, toluene and naphthalene would make a better fuel? Why?